How to Apply for NSFAS 2027
by FundiConnect Editorial Team | · Last updated
NSFAS applications for the 2027 academic year haven't officially opened yet, but based on the last two cycles—both of which launched in mid-September—the window is expected to open around September 2026. That's very soon, and the students who do best with NSFAS are the ones who have everything ready before the portal opens, not after.
This guide covers exactly what you need to know: who qualifies, what documents you need, how to apply step by step, and what to do once you've submitted.
Who Can Apply?
The NSFAS bursary is open to South African citizens and permanent residents who meet the following criteria:
Combined household income of R350,000 or less per year
Enrolled or planning to enrol at a public university or public TVET college for the first time
Studying towards a first undergraduate qualification
Not already receiving full funding from another source
If your household income falls between R350,001 and R600,000 per year, you may qualify for the NSFAS Student Loan instead of the bursary. Students with disabilities qualify at a higher income threshold of R600,000 per year for the bursary.
Who cannot apply:
Students who already have a funded undergraduate qualification
Students at private institutions
Students enrolled for qualifications not approved by DHET or accredited by SAQA
Students who receive 100% study funding from a non-NSFAS source
For a full breakdown of eligibility, see FundiConnect's NSFAS guide and our NSFAS: What It Covers and What It Doesn't article.
Do Continuing Students Need to Reapply?
If you're already funded by NSFAS and continuing with the same qualification, you generally don't need to reapply. NSFAS funds continuing students automatically as long as they meet the academic progression requirements each year.
You do need to reapply if:
You're moving to a new or different qualification
Your previous application was approved but you didn't register
You've completed a certificate qualification and want to move to an undergraduate degree
You were funded at a TVET college and now want to study at a university
What Documents Do You Need?
Getting your documents together before the portal opens makes the process much smoother. Based on the 2026 application requirements from NSFAS's official how-to-apply page, here's what you'll need:
All applicants:
South African ID or birth certificate
Proof of income for all household members (recent payslips, UIF statements or SASSA grant confirmation)
Completed NSFAS Consent Form — download from NSFAS when 2027 applications open
Completed NSFAS Declaration Form — for applicants aged 34 or younger, used to verify parental or guardian details
If applicable:
Death certificate of parent or guardian if deceased
Divorce decree or separation agreement if applicable
Completed Disability Annexure Form merged with a medical report, for students with disabilities
Completed Orphan or Vulnerable Child Declaration Form, for applicants under 18 who are orphans or in vulnerable circumstances
All documents must be clear and legible when uploaded. Blurry or incomplete documents are one of the most common reasons applications get delayed or rejected.
How to Apply for NSFAS 2027: Step by Step
NSFAS applications are done entirely online through the myNSFAS portal. Here's how it works:
Step 1: Go to the NSFAS website
Visit www.nsfas.org.za and click the myNSFAS button in the top right corner. This takes you to the application portal.
Step 2: Create your myNSFAS profile
If you don't have a myNSFAS account yet, create one now. Don't wait until the portal opens. You'll need a valid email address, your South African ID number and a cellphone number. Use an email address and number you actually check regularly, as NSFAS will send all communication there.
Step 3: Complete your application
Fill in all the required information carefully. This includes your personal details, household income details and institutional information. Double-check everything before moving on. An incorrect ID number or wrong income figure can cause your application to be rejected.
Step 4: Upload your supporting documents
Upload clear, legible copies of all required documents. If documents are uploaded incorrectly or are too blurry to read, your application will be flagged as incomplete. Don't skip this step or leave it for later — incomplete applications are not considered for funding.
Step 5: Submit your application
Once everything is complete and documents are uploaded, submit your application. You'll receive a confirmation. Keep that confirmation safe.
Step 6: Monitor your myNSFAS account
Check your portal regularly after submitting. NSFAS may request additional documents, and you'll have 30 days to respond once a notice is issued. If you miss that window, your application is marked as incomplete and won't be funded. Check at least once a week.
Application Status: What the Terms Mean
Once you've submitted, you can track your status at my.nsfas.org.za. Here's what each status means:
Status | What it means |
|---|---|
Application Submitted | Your application has been received and is being processed |
Documents Missing | You need to upload required documents — act within 30 days |
Under Review | NSFAS is assessing your application for eligibility |
Approved | Your funding has been confirmed |
Rejected | Your application didn't meet the requirements — a reason will be given |
If your status shows Documents Missing, log in immediately and upload what's needed. This is the status that trips most students up: They submit and then stop checking.
What Happens If Your Application Is Rejected?
A rejection isn't necessarily the end. If your NSFAS application is rejected, you can submit a formal appeal through your myNSFAS account.
The appeal process works like this:
Log into your myNSFAS account
Check the reason for the rejection (it will be noted on your portal)
Gather supporting documents that address the reason for rejection
Submit a formal appeal with those documents through the portal
Appeals are reviewed by NSFAS and you'll be notified of the outcome through your portal. Act quickly. There are deadlines for appeals, and missing them means waiting for the next cycle.
For more on the appeals process, see NSFAS's appeals page.
Key Dates to Know
The 2027 NSFAS application dates haven't been officially confirmed yet. Based on the pattern of the last two cycles (2025 applications opened 20 September 2024; 2026 applications opened 15 September 2025), the strongest expectation is a mid-September 2026 opening. Always confirm the official date at www.nsfas.org.za.
Milestone | Expected Timing |
|---|---|
2027 applications open | Mid-September 2026 (not yet confirmed) |
2027 applications close | To be announced — likely November/December 2026 |
Funding outcomes released | December 2026 onwards |
University registration | January/February 2027 |
The closing date has moved earlier in two consecutive cycles, so don't bank on a January deadline. Apply in the first weeks of the window, not the last.
Avoiding Common Mistakes
These are the things that trip students up every year:
Using the wrong email address. NSFAS sends all notifications to the email linked to your myNSFAS account. If that address is wrong or you don't check it, you'll miss critical updates.
Uploading blurry documents. If NSFAS can't read your documents, your application stalls. Scan on a flat surface in good light, or use a scanning app on your phone.
Entering the wrong ID number. NSFAS verifies your identity against government databases. An error here, even one digit, will cause your application to be flagged.
Not checking your portal after submitting. Submitting is not the last step. NSFAS can request additional information at any point, and you have 30 days to respond. Students who stop checking after submitting often miss this.
Waiting until the last day. Application portals slow down significantly under high traffic near closing dates. Apply early.
Falling for scams. NSFAS will never ask for your password by phone or SMS. Anyone claiming otherwise is a scammer. Report suspicious contact to speakup@nsfas.org.za. All official NSFAS communication comes through www.nsfas.org.za and the myNSFAS portal.
Useful NSFAS Contact Details
Query | Contact |
|---|---|
General NSFAS enquiries | 08000 67327 (toll-free) |
Fraud or corruption | |
Application portal | |
Official website |
FAQs
When do NSFAS 2027 applications open?
The official date hasn't been confirmed yet. Based on the 2025 and 2026 cycles, which both opened in mid-September, applications are expected to open around September 2026. Watch www.nsfas.org.za for the official announcement.
Can I apply for NSFAS before I receive a university acceptance?
Yes. You can apply for NSFAS at the same time as you apply to universities. You don't need a confirmed acceptance to submit an NSFAS application, but you will need to register at a public university or TVET college before NSFAS funding can be finalised.
What if I applied last year and was rejected?
You can reapply if you still meet the eligibility criteria. Make sure you understand why your application was rejected before reapplying, and address that reason in your new application.
Does NSFAS cover private colleges?
No. NSFAS only funds students at public universities and public TVET colleges. Private institutions are not eligible regardless of your household income. See our NSFAS: What It Covers and What It Doesn't article for more detail.
What if I qualify for NSFAS but also receive a bursary?
If your bursary covers 100% of your study costs, you may not qualify for NSFAS. If it covers only a portion, you may still be eligible. Contact NSFAS directly at info@nsfas.org.za to clarify your specific situation.
What is the difference between the NSFAS bursary and the NSFAS loan?
The bursary is for students with household incomes of R350,000 or less. It converts to a full bursary (no repayment) if you pass your modules. The loan is for students with household incomes between R350,001 and R600,000. It covers accommodation and learning materials but must be repaid. See NSFAS's student loan page for full details.
More NSFAS Guides on FundiConnect
What If NSFAS Doesn't Cover Everything?
NSFAS covers a lot, but not all students qualify and not all costs are covered. Fundi has been helping South African students fund their studies since 1996. You can apply for a Fundi study loan to bridge any gaps. Use the Fundi loan calculator to see what your monthly repayments would look like before you apply. And if you need a laptop, the Fundi Shop lets you finance one alongside your studies.
Visit loans.fundi.co.za, fill in the form, and someone will get back to you.
For more on NSFAS, bursaries and study funding, visit www.fundiconnect.co.za.
You can also follow FundiConnect on Facebook, X, Instagram and LinkedIn.
The FundiConnect Editorial Team researches, writes, and maintains comprehensive guides on South African higher education, bursaries, NSFAS funding, and career development. Our content is verified against official institutional sources, DHET publications, and direct admissions office communications to ensure accuracy for students navigating their post-school journey.
Prefer FundiConnect on Google
Add us as a preferred source and see more of our guides in your Search results.
NSFAS: What It Covers and What It Doesn't
NSFAS covers a lot, but not everything. Before you apply, here's an honest breakdown of what the bursary actually pays for, what the allowance amounts look like, and where the gaps are that you'll need to plan around.
Bursaries for 2027 in South Africa
Bursaries for 2027 in South Africa South African students can apply for bursaries from…
NSFAS Contact Details 2026 — Phone, Email & Office Address
NSFAS toll-free number, email addresses, WhatsApp, physical office address, and social media handles. Verified from nsfas.org.za.
